Bell Ringing
Bell ringing is a musical and cultural practice that involves the striking of bells to create melodic sounds, often associated with religious ceremonies, celebrations, and entertainment. Historically, bells have been utilized across various civilizations for practical purposes, such as guiding shepherds or calling people to worship. The evolution of bell ringing saw larger bells, known as "campaniles," become prominent with the spread of Christianity, leading to the development of bell towers and intricate ringing techniques, including change ringing. In England, handbells were created to practice these techniques quietly, paving the way for vibrant handbell ensembles and performances that emerged in the 18th century.
In the United States, handbell ringing gained traction in the early 20th century, influenced by figures like P.T. Barnum, and by the mid-century, formal organizations were established to promote this art. Today, bell ringing encompasses both traditional sacred music and a variety of contemporary genres, with opportunities for solo performers, ensembles, and teaching roles. The practice emphasizes proper technique and care to avoid injury, notably carpal tunnel syndrome, and encourages a community spirit among ringers. As interest in bell ringing continues to grow, it reflects a rich intersection of history, artistry, and social engagement.
Bell Ringing
History
Almost every civilization has utilized bells. Used for practical purposes, they helped shepherds locate stray animals. Rung for spiritual reasons, they summoned followers to worship or were used to call on the gods.
With the spread of Christianity, bells became larger so that the ringing could be heard from greater distances, which necessitated the need for special bell towers and long ropes. These large bells, referred to as "campaniles," were named for Campania, a region of Italy where Paulinus, Bishop of Nola, first promoted their use. Eventually, campaniles became the preferred type of bell throughout Europe. Some churches installed dozens of campaniles in different sizes, so that a variety of tones could be intermingled to produce an array of sounds. This was known as change ringing.
The English developed small handbells to practice change ringing without disturbing the public at inconvenient times. By the fourteenth century, most bells were cast rather than riveted from sheets of metal, and could be tuned in tones and semi-tones (accidentals) by removing amounts of metal during the casting process. The English embraced the musical possibilities. By the early eighteenth century, handbell ringers were stationed at street corners throughout London, where they entertained passersby and performed hymns and carols at festivals and other special events.
In the nineteenth century, handbell groups began to perform more sophisticated pieces of music that required additional octaves of bells and larger teams. This new level of expertise soon led to the introduction of popular competitions.
In America, many churches had built towers to house campaniles, but the art of handbell ringing was slow to take hold. Showman P. T. Barnum discovered the joy of English handbell choirs, and in the 1840s he formed a group, the "Lancashire Ringers," to tour the United States. Barnum imposed one major stipulation: that the group present themselves as the "Swiss Bell Ringers," and dress in the costume of Switzerland. This resulted in the long-standing popular misconception that bell ringing originated in Switzerland.
Although bell ringing became popular in vaudeville shows, it was not introduced in most American churches and other institutions until the twentieth century. In 1923, Margaret Nichols Shurcliff, a Boston resident who had gained an appreciation for handbells while visiting England, formed the Beacon Hill Handbell Ringers. This group, initially comprised of her five children and friends, is credited with inspiring schools, churches, and other institutions to form bell-ringing groups. Throughout the next few decades, the activity slowly became part of American culture.
In 1954, enthusiasts established the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers, later Handbell Musicians of America, and in 1972, the North American Guild of Change Ringers. These two organizations continue to grow along with interest in bell ringing.
The study of the technology of bells, as well as the art of bell ringing, is known as campanology.
Techniques
Basic steps in ringing a handbell
- Whenever possible, spend a few minutes warming up. Gently stretch the neck, shoulders, and arms. Wiggle the fingers. Continue exercises so that body is loose and relaxed.
- Stand with good posture. Knees should be slightly bent.
- Place the handbell on a table with the logo facing the body. Grasp the strap and wrap fingers around in a fist. The thumb should be positioned close to the bell, resting on the leather cap, but not touching the metal. The bell should be grasped firmly.
- Raise the bell, so that it points straight up, or just slightly towards the body. The clapper should be leaning against the side closest to body. To obtain a downstroke ring, lower the bell out and away from the body in a gentle arc, keeping the bell pointed straight up. When the arm is almost straight, tilt the bell and the clapper will strike when the bell reaches a horizontal position.
- To achieve an upstroke (also called a backstroke) ring, bring the bell back toward the body quickly, forming a gentle arc, so that the clapper strikes the other side. The upstroke ring is generally harder to master.
- To damp, or stop, a bell from ringing, touch it to the shoulder on an upstroke or to the table on a downstroke.
- To obtain a longer note, widen and exaggerate the arc. To obtain a shorter note, tighten the arc.
- When reading music, be aware that handbell transcriptions are usually written one octave lower than what should be played.
Handbell maintenance and care
- To prevent tarnishing, do not touch the metal.
- After each use, wipe handbells with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth.
- Store bells in dry cases, separated either by built-in dividers or padding and cloth.
- Bells should be inspected, professionally cleaned, and adjusted regularly.
- Bells should be polished regularly. Disassemble with handbell tools, and polish both the inside and outside surfaces, if necessary, with special handbell polish.
- When reassembling, adjust the clapper and test to make sure the bell rings properly.
Trends
Solo bell ringing has also become popular, as has the formation of ensembles not affiliated with particular institutions. While sacred music dominates the field, composers look to folk, classical, and popular music for new inspiration.
Concern about carpal tunnel syndrome has inspired ringers to be more conscientious about technique, posture, and exercising before ringing.
Bell Ringing for Fun vs. Profit
A bell ringer can become a professional solo performer or perform with an ensemble, direct a handbell choir, compose music, and teach bell ringing workshops. Earnings vary considerably, and one should be willing to accept minimal compensation, especially in the early stages of a ringing career.
Learning More
Organizations
Handbell Musicians of America <http://handbellmusicians.org/>
North American Guild of Change Ringers <http://www.nagcr.org>
Books
Holland, Lois. Art of Solo Handbell Ringing. Nashville, TN: B&H Pub., 1982.
Ivey, Robert. Handbell Ringing: Learning, Teaching, Performing. Carol Stream, IL: Agape, 1995.
MacGorman, Venita, and Erin MacGorman. Basic Training for Bells. Garland, TX: Choristers Guild, 2003.